First Aid for Chest Pain

ByJanis Updated

Chest pain can have many different causes, from heart problems to lung infections or muscle injuries. Some people feel pressure or tightness in the chest, while others experience sharp pain or discomfort that spreads to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. In some cases, symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or lightheadedness also appear.

Recognizing the signs of serious conditions like a heart attack or unstable angina helps you get help quickly. Sometimes, chest pain comes from less severe issues such as costochondritis, heartburn, or even panic attacks. However, you should take any new, severe, or unexplained chest pain seriously and see a healthcare professional right away.

Common Causes of Chest Pain

Chest pain does not always mean a heart problem. Still, it’s important to be aware of the possible causes:

Heart-Related Causes

  • Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Angina: Reduced blood flow that causes chest discomfort during activity or stress.
  • Pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining around the heart.
  • Aortic Dissection: A tear in the main artery, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Lung-Related Causes

  • Pneumonia or Lung Infections: Infections that cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to chest pain, fever, and coughing.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs that can cause sudden, sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing. This is a medical emergency.
  • Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleura), often resulting in sharp pain when breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.

Digestive Causes

  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Esophageal spasms
  • Gallbladder disease

Muscle or Bone Causes

  • Strained chest muscles
  • Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage)

Other Causes

  • Panic attacks or anxiety
  • Injuries to the chest area

Because chest pain can have many sources, it’s safest to treat any unfamiliar chest discomfort as a medical concern until proven otherwise.

When to Call for Emergency Help

Call emergency services (such as 911 in the U.S.) right away if the person has any of the following:

  • Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
  • Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold sweat, dizziness, or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting with chest pain
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Loss of consciousness

These symptoms may signal a heart attack or another serious medical emergency that requires fast treatment.

What to Do While Waiting for Help

Here’s how you can help someone while emergency responders are on the way:

  1. Have the person sit down and stay calm. Encourage them to rest and avoid unnecessary movement.
  2. Loosen tight clothing. This helps improve breathing and circulation.
  3. Ask about medication. If the person has been prescribed a fast-acting vasodilator for chest pain, assist them in taking it as directed.
  4. Offer aspirin (if appropriate). Only offer aspirin if the person is alert, not allergic to it, and not at risk of serious bleeding. Aspirin helps thin the blood and may improve outcomes during a heart attack.
    • Do not give aspirin to anyone who:
      • Is allergic to it
      • Has a bleeding disorder or recent internal bleeding
      • Has a known ulcer or bleeding in the stomach
  5. Monitor their condition. Be ready to begin CPR if the person loses consciousness and stops breathing. Chest compressions can keep blood circulating until help arrives.

What Not to Do

  • Do not leave the person alone.
  • Do not allow them to drive themselves to the hospital.
  • Do not give food, drinks, or caffeine.
  • Do not assume it’s “just gas” or stress—always rule out a heart issue first.

What If It’s Not a Heart Attack?

Chest pain caused by less serious issues may still need treatment. If the pain is mild and doesn’t include red flag symptoms, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Conditions such as:

  • Heartburn: Often feels like burning pain that worsens after eating or lying down.
  • Costochondritis: Sharp pain that worsens when pressing on the chest or with movement.
  • Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Often paired with rapid breathing, tingling, and racing heartbeat.

These can be managed once a more dangerous cause is ruled out.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.